Network television commentator Al Michaels. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Al Michaels makes notable mistake on 'Thursday Night Football'

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 9/22/23

The San Francisco 49ers were upset with Al Michaels on Thursday night — and for good reason.

Michaels was calling the Niners’ game against the New York Giants for “Thursday Night Football” on Amazon. Late in the first quarter, Amazon showed Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit in their broadcasting booth to talk about some history of the two franchises. That’s when Michaels made a mistake.

“You think about the 49ers, this is a franchise that has won four Super Bowls. Bill Walsh won two, George Seifert won two, but [they have not won] since 1994. And the Giants also [have won] four Super Bowls. Two under Bill Parcells, two to Tom Coughlin,” Michaels said.

"So you think about the 49ers, this is a franchise that has won four Super Bowls, Bill Walsh won two, George Seifert won two." - Al Michaels pic.twitter.com/GkQNz8iTXU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 22, 2023

What’s the problem? Michaels shorted the Niners and Bill Walsh by a Super Bowl.

San Francisco has won five Super Bowls, which is tied with the Dallas Cowboys for second most in the NFL. The Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers both have won six, while the Giants and Packers have both won four. That is a big difference.

The 49ers were a dynasty in the 1980s and won four Super Bowls during that decade, and added another in 1994 with Steve Young at quarterback. Niners fans know that well — and Michaels should know that too.

It’s one thing for Michaels to receive subjective criticism over the style of his calls. He can defend himself against that. But there is no excuse for getting the facts wrong, especially when you’re making a broadcasting talking point about it.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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